2003 Ford Explorer Maintenance

When it comes to your Ford Explorer, how you treat your car makes all the difference in its performance. With the right maintenance at the right time, your Explorer has a good chance of hitting 200,000 miles or more. But how do you know what service to get and when? There's no need to guess when it's time to get Explorer maintenance, and no need to wait until something goes wrong. Rely on the recommended maintenance schedule that’s been created just for your 2003 Ford Explorer!

This recommended maintenance schedule is written by the auto manufacturer, Ford themselves. Depending on driving conditions and climate in your area (as well as other contributing factors, like your personal travel habits), your car’s scheduled maintenance needs may vary; however, recommended maintenance usually includes services like oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacement, filter changes, and fluid checks and exchanges. Scheduling routine service appointments is one of the best ways to help extend your Explorer's life, decrease your risk of dangerous malfunctions on the road, and prevent common 2003 Ford Explorer problems.

Bring your 2003 Ford Explorer to Firestone Complete Auto Care for factory-recommended maintenance services and an expert technician will begin by performing a Courtesy Check. A Courtesy Check helps "set the stage" for your service and catch any small problems before they turn into big repairs. Each Courtesy Check includes a free battery test and an inspection of your Explorer's windshield wiper blades, head and tail lights, filters, fluid levels, tires, and alignment.

Maybe it's time to find a new auto battery for your 2003 Ford Explorer. In general, car batteries only last three to five years. Yours may need to be replaced sooner depending on your driving habits and climate. Short trips and extreme temperatures can shorten the overall life expectancy of your Ford Explorer battery. It can be tempting to try and get as much life out of your battery as possible, but it’s smart to check it regularly and replace it before it gets too weak. If you keep driving on a battery that can't hold a charge, you run the risk of being stranded when your battery finally gives out (and no one can predict where that might be!). Your Ford Explorer won’t even be able to start with a weak battery, much less get you where you need to go.

Staying on schedule for battery replacements and motor oil changes can help your 2003 Ford Explorer's engine run smoother. See Ford's recommendations for oil change intervals for your 2003 Explorer in the chart at the top of this page. Don’t forget, though, that weather conditions in your area or your personal driving habits can affect this interval. A Firestone Complete Auto Care technician will be happy to help you determine the best oil change frequency for your car’s needs. We can also answer any questions you have about what type of oil to use for your 2003 Ford Explorer.

Maintaining your Ford Explorer steering and suspension system can improve ride comfort and help you maintain control of your vehicle. Don’t let a misalignment or pulling steering wheel put you in danger. Trust our technicians to inspect system components and if needed, perform Ford Explorer suspension and steering services. These might include wheel alignment, power steering fluid flushes and replenishments, ball joint lubrication, wheel bearing replacement, and strut replacement. Components within your Ford Explorer's steering system require regular maintenance.

Without routine Ford Explorer maintenance, you might find yourself with a hot mess on your hands – quite literally. A damaged A/C system is never fun, and an overheated engine can cause significant issues (like a total car breakdown!). We can help you with all those issues. Our technicians have the knowledge and tools to repair and maintain the heating and cooling systems for your Ford Explorer’s engine, and we can service your A/C system, too. Need a new Ford Explorer radiator? We can take care of that. Is your A/C blowing hot air? We'll fix it. Firestone Complete Auto Care is your one-stop shop for 2003 Ford Explorer maintenance and repairs.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong with your car. Visit your nearest location for proactive maintenance today.